These instructions are for importing the Jira Companion in an existing Jira site (one that already contains projects and items). If your site is still empty, you can use the instructions for Importing Jira Companion in a new site.
0. Create a backup
Before making changes to an existing Jira site, it is a good idea to create a backup ↗️ first.
- Login to Jira as a site administrator
- Select Settings (⚙) > System
- In the Import and export section, select Backup manager
- Under Backup for cloud, select Create backup for cloud
- Check Include additional files to include issue attachments, user avatars, and project logos in the export
After the backup is complete, select Download backup file and store it in a safe location.
1. Create a temporary site
First, we are going to create a new temporary Jira site in your existing organization (read more about organizations ↗️).
- Go to admin.atlassian.com ↗️ and select the organization in which your existing Jira site resides
- From the left pane, select Apps > Atlassian apps (you should see your existing Jira site in this list)
- Click Add app button on the top right
- Under Start with a single app > Jira click Try it now
- Select Create a new site
- Define name for your new (temporary) site, e.g. temp-2025mmdd
- Click Agree and add
2. Importing the projects in the temporary site
Secondly, we are going to import the Jira Companion backup file into the temporary Jira site.
- Navigate to Settings (⚙) > System
- Under Import and export, select Import Jira Cloud
- Leave the option Merge with existing cloud users ticked
- Click Import data and upload the provided backup file
- Importing the backup will take a few minutes
It is not necessary to import media files separately (as they are included in the backup file)
- Go to Projects > View all projects to make sure the Jira Companion projects are there
3. Migrate the projects into your existing Jira site
Now, we are going to use the cloud-to-cloud migration️ to replicate the Jira Companion-projects from the temporary Jira site into your production Jira site.
- Follow the procedure from Atlassian: https://support.atlassian.com/organization-administration/docs/copy-jira-data/ ↗️
It is safe to create a copy plan that contains all projects in one go, as the Jira Companion contains just the project structures.
4. Importing the automation rules into your existing Jira site
Lastly, the automation rules should be imported into your (production) Jira site.
- Download and unzip the latest version of the automation rules ↗️
- Select Settings (⚙) > System > Automation > Global automation
- Select … > Import rules
- Click Upload JSON and select the .json file
- Select all rules and accept the proposed restrictions:
- Click Next and then Let’s do this
- Do not forget to enable the new rules:
5. Remove unnecessary users
When restoring a backup file, Atlassian will automatically add users that are referenced in the backup (e.g. authors of the content) to your site. While this is harmless in itself (these users do not get product access, nor do they receive invitations) we still recommend you to double check User Management (admin.atlassian.com ↗️) and remove these users:
6. Remove the temporary Jira site
Do not forget to remove the temporary Jira site, as you will be billed after the 14 day trial ends!
- Go to admin.atlassian.com > Products and remove the temporary Jira site
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